to not take DC1 into school?

[ruledbyheart]

Just got of the phone to DC1 school after telling them he wont be in and now feeling like a naughty child because all they say is a if their staff can get in so should all students and it will be marked an unauthorized absence.

I have 3 DC under 5 years old and I am 9 weeks pregnant which is high risk, I live almost two miles away from the school (out of catchment but no spaces closer) and dont feel its safe enough to walk the distance with 4" of snow and ice.

I would have no problem with him going in if transport was provided or if I had my car but neither is possible as DP is away on a course and the school doesn't provide transport unless over two miles and I cannot afford taxis to and from at £5 one way.

Out of 11 local schools only 4 are open anyway two just for exams.

AIBU unreasonable to keep him home until I can either safely drive him or until its safe enough to walk?

Some people have difficult pregnancies Susan and slipping on ice can be dangerous for a pregnant woman. I slipped over on ice on the way to pre-school in January last year, when pregnant, and then developed a pelvic disorder. Could have been worse, but that was bad enough.

My children have left school now but I spent most of their school years worrying about being told off or thought of badly by the school. What a waste of my time and energy! It counts for nothing now.
Actually I have just remembered, when eldest had just started school and I was pregnant, we took the day off just to play in the snow! I Hadn't been knocked into shape by authorities then!

YANBU 2 miles is a long way to walk in snow and ice. I only had a 10 min walk this morning and found it tiring especially as you have to take small, careful steps and walking through snow is hard work. Even more so with 3 young kids

Susan it is considerably hilly and I have a high risk pregnancy, If I fall badly my blood wont clot properly and I risk an internal bleed.

Four inches of snow isn't bad but the bloody ice is awful.

At DC1 age I dont think it would damage his education too badly, abc, 123 pretty standard stuff really.

I just feel bad as he enjoys school and I know its in his best interests but hate being made out to be a naughty child because I can't take him in.

Except it wouldn't have been 2 miles it would have been 4 miles for the 4 year old and 8 for the OP and siblings.

8 miles

8 miles

Ignore my last 2 posts!

ruled your (and baby's) safety is more important so don't worry about any naysayers. I should think most people would be on your side.

YANBU to have made the decision not to take him in. That's something that's is entirely up to you and your judgement about how safe the journey would be.

YABU to think that it shouldn't be an unauthorised absence. He's not ill or at another educational activity, so of course it should be unauthorised. The school probably feels they have to tell you that just so you know, but it's not worth worrying about if you know you made the right decision for you and your family.

It shouldn't be an unauthorised absence because it isn't.

You might like to remind your school that the rules changed in 2010, and you expect the absence to be recorded under the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 which specifically provides for:

"(c) a local or national emergency has resulted in widespread disruption to travel which has prevented the pupil from attending school.?